Thursday, April 28, 2011

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

9:00 am tomorrow I will be checking into the hospital for my surgery!

After many months of waiting for this surgery, and a few mishaps with the insurance company, the day is finally here. It's really happening now.

They'll be taking out the endometriosis, cysts, and whatever else they find in there.  Dr.O is also going to shoot dye into my fallopian tubes to see if there are blockages.

I should be under for about two hours~getting nervous now!

You're prayers are appreciated! I'll let you know how it goes!

Hopefully this will give us some answers so we can move forward to build our family. :o)


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

National Infertility Week

(Fitting that this week is surgery week huh?)


In light of national infertility week I thought I'd share some facts about infertility and bust some myths. If you want to read about my journey with infertility see HERE

Primary infertility describes couples who have never been able to become pregnant after at least 1 year of unprotected sex.

Who gets it?Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 30% of infertility is due to a female factor and 30% is due to a male factor. In the balance of the cases, infertility results from problems in both partners or the cause of the infertility cannot be explained.
What are the risk factors?
  • Weight
  • Age
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
  • Tubal Disease
  • Endometriosis
  • DES Exposure
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
What are the signs and symptoms?Often there are no signs or symptoms associated with an infertility problem. Listening to your body and getting regular checkups will help to detect a problem. Early detection and treatment of a problem are often critical in achieving successful pregnancy outcomes later.  

How is infertility treated?Medical technology now offers more answers and treatment options to men and women trying to conceive a child. From hormonal treatments, ovulation induction and Intrauterine insemination to more advanced technologies like in vitro fertilization, ICSI to surrogacy, egg/sperm donation and even embryo donation. 

1 in 8 women and men are diagnosed with infertility. RESOLVE and the infertility community are busting myths and telling truths about the most popular public myths and misconceptions about the disease of infertility and the different ways people build their families.


Myth 1:
If you just relax, you'll get pregnant:
BUSTED! If only it were that easy! The fact is, the vast majority of individuals who have infertility have a medical reason, not a stress-related one. Upwards of 90% of all infertility cases are caused by physical problems.  In the female partner, the major causes of infertility are absent or irregular ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, abnormalities in the uterus, and endometriosis (a chronic painful condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus migrates into the pelvis and attaches to the reproductive organs). There has never been a study which shows that simply relaxing increases pregnancy rates.  (I've had this told to me by numerous people, even DOCTORS!!)

Myth 2:
IVF and IUI always works:
BUSTED! The success rates of these procedures vary widely with around a 41% success rate being the highest.  Not everyone who does these procedures will get pregnant unfortunately. (My record certainly is proof that IUI doesnt always work!)


Myth 3:
It's covered by insurance:
BUSTED! Most insurance companies cringe at the word "infertility".  Although some companies may cover certain procedures, medicines, and treatments, many do not cover anything. Make sure you check with your company and ask for all the details before hand. (My insurance does not cover ANY procedures, medicines, ultrasounds, etc)

Myth 3:
If you've already had a child you wont have problems:
BUSTED! Infertility does not discriminate and can strike anyone at anytime throughout the childbearing years. Secondary infertility — the inability to get pregnant naturally or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully conceiving one or more children — is very common.  Approximately 12 percent of women in the United States have secondary infertility, and it accounts for more than half of all infertility cases.

Check out the Resolve website for more myths and infertility information!


Monday, April 25, 2011

Multitude Mondays



52.  A Good Friday service that brings you to tears and gives you a thankful heart for your Savior.
53. Family get-to-gethers
54. Yummy traegered ham 
55. Deviled eggs
56. Sweet faces of little one's easter egg hunting
57. Night out at the movies (Water for Elephants was SO good!)
58. Gifts from your niece (thanks for the GIANT Reeses egg Izzy!)
59. Kisses from your nephew
60. A big, comfy bed to lay your head on


 Jacob and I and our niece Isabella
Happy Monday!

What are YOU thankful for today?

Friday, April 22, 2011

The Countdown Has Begun!

Today--Good Friday--marks one week until my surgery! I'm starting to get nervous now. This is why I wanted to do it right away and jumped at the chance to fill in a cancellation (see April Fool's Day post). I wouldn't have had time to be nervous. That's how I like to do things like this--schedule it right away and get it over with otherwise I will fret about it.

Well I made it about a month and a half without fretting. I've been excited mostly. Now I'm nervous and wanting to get on with it! No thanks to {my wonderful} husband who started asking those stupid "what-if" questions last night. "Why would you ask that to a hypochondriac?" I asked. He just laughed and laughed. Yeah... keep laughing buddy! You'll be in the hospital next. :o) haha.  

Today I have an appointment with my regular family Dr. to discuss recent bloodwork about my thyroid. I wanted to get his opinion on the results before my surgery. Then Tuesday my pre-op appointment!

The rest of today's plans: 
Booking a trip to Florida (yay!)
Coloring eggs with niece and nephew
Good Friday service
{maybe}seeing Water for Elephants
Enjoy the sunshine                                     


Here's some pictures from Duke's 6th Birthday on Wednesday. I always get him toys and make him treats! He's so spoiled. I put Happy Birthday to him on Facebook and Jacob says "Duke gets more Happy Birthday's than I do!" Haha!


 This was his favorite toy!


{Happy Good Friday!} 
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.'"
- John 11:25-26

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Multitude Mondays {on Tuesday!}

Continuing my 1000 blessings


31. BBQ can chicken
32. Birthday parties
33. Movie nights by yourself (you can watch whatever you want!)
34. Ice cream
35. Farmers Kitchen
36. Main street Walla Walla
37. Night time yoga
38. Shopping sprees
39. Ann Taylor Loft
40. Cardigans
41. Pedicures
42. Anticipation of Easter festivities
43. Friends cheering you on
44. New makeup
45. Colorful Tulips blooming in your yard
46. Your husbands laughter
47. The Celebrity Apprentice-- this show is so entertaining!
48. Working with family
49. A job that I love
50. A job with flexibility
51. Fragrant purple lilac trees




Saturday, April 16, 2011

A "Planners" Worst Nightmare

I am a planner. I {try to} plan out my meals, I plan trips {in fact, that's part of my job, to plan incentive trips!} plan, plan, plan.  Now don't get me wrong, I like to be spontaneous sometimes- but if I HAVE something planned, even if its just in my head, if something detours that plan I am not a happy camper. It stresses me out.

Infertility is a "planners" worst nightmare.

Two years ago- yes, we've just passed the two year mark of "actively trying to conceive"--I had things planned out. When I got off birth control we were careful for a few months until after our big summer vacation (because I wanted to go on the rides at Disney World-ha!). During our trip, everything was out the window. I figured, sweet, this will be perfect. We'll get pregnant right away, be close in age to my nephew and friends kids, it'll be great! Ya... NO.

Talk about God trying to teach someone patience. Teach someone trust. Teach someone to let it go.
I think He's succeeded!

These last two months have been a nice break. My body needed a break from the pills and procedures.  I've never been so weak and sick in my life! During the past 7 months of the fertility procedures I've had 2 bouts of bronchitis, a sinus infection, muscle issues, and stress, stress, stress! A recent blood test revealed high levels of cortisol. Hmm... wonder why!? Jacob and I have enjoyed just living~not worrying about ttc. I haven't really thought about what comes next or worried about the two week wait, or anything dealing with babies until this week.

We are two weeks out from my surgery.  As it gets closer I feel those same anxious feelings coming up again. Jealousy when I see other pregnant moms. Anxiety about what they will find in the surgery. Stress about what comes AFTER the surgery.  Here comes the planner in me again: We have TWO major trips planned for this summer. Trips that I am SUPER excited about!! I know my Dr. won't let me travel out of state (at least i'm pretty sure) if I do get pregnant since I'm high risk, so do I want to "wait" after our surgery, or jump right in to trying again?  I dont know! I hate being a planner! :o) I guess we will just have to wait and see what the outcome is and see what Dr. O says.

In the meantime, I'm focusing on easing my stress, having FUN {planning} our trips this summer, and loving life in the moment!

Happy Spring!


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Gluten Free Cake: A review

My friend Shannon gave me this cake mix~ and asked me to write a review for her friend and owner of Greenies in Kennewick! I haven't checked out their store yet, but I plan to soon!


About The Cake:

This cake mix was absolutely wonderful! I do not have a bad thing to say about it. I have been Gluten Free for a little over a month now, and find that the snacks/desserts are often the hardest to get the taste right on. With this Life Tastes Good brand the cake baked perfectly, was rich, and had a great cake consistency-which is one of the problems when cooking without flour. The mix was quick and easy as well! Perfect for birthdays or a quick dessert with friends! I can say with certainty that I would prefer this mix over a regular cake mix.
I tested this GF mix on a few different people; my mom, husband, friend, as well as my 2 year old nephew and 4 year old niece. 
Not one person noticed it was Gluten Free and everyone went back for seconds! My husband was actually shocked when I told him it was GF! I really doubted my niece and nephew would like it, being the picky eaters they are, but they devoured it! 

Adult approved...Kid approved!

Highly Recommend This Mix!

P.S. I recommend the Rainbow Chip Frosting for this cake!






Monday, April 11, 2011

Multitude Mondays


Perspective can always adopt gratitude — and gratitude always parents joy.


Gifts I am Thankful For:

21. BBQ Outside
22. Warmer weather
23. Blooming Flowers
24. Night with niece and nephew
25. Wine and meaningful talks with a friend
26. New bathroom flooring
27. Yummy Gluten Free cake
28. The movie Tangled- So cute
29. Visiting with family
30. Planning trips



Friday, April 8, 2011

Yay for Spring!

Yesterday brought nice weather {finally!} 

Jacob bought a treager 
 {which I didn't think was a big deal until he cooked on it}
But let me tell you... it's amazing! I don't think I'll ever use my oven again! Not to mention the fact that Jacob actually WANTS to cook now! :o)

We dusted off the patio furniture and umbrella and ate outside
{first of the year!}

Sun, friends, food, wine, backyard golf... 
I'm loving Spring!







{Enjoy The Spring Weather}

Monday, April 4, 2011

If you want me to

 I found this song and thought it was such a good depiction about a lot of walks in our lives.  Tough times, whether it be dealing with infertility, a loss, a broken marriage, or stress in general, are all valley's in our lives. They must be walked through. It may not be what we would have chosen, the path may be broken, and it's definitely not easy...but we will walk through it if you want us to Lord.

If You Want Me To
Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

ya oh oh no

So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to





By the way, Ginny Owens has been blind since 3 years old.  Absolutely amazing lady.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Marriage Edition!

If you don't know what my "marriage edition posts" are, they are comical accounts of our everyday life as a married couple. {Fights we get into, funny things we say, etc.} Don't worry... I always tell Jacob about these post if I'm blogging about a fight we've been in. :o)

April 2, 2011
I'm re-telling a story of something that happened early today. He's getting all stressed out and says to me, "I'm going to get a hemorrhoid!!"  "Uhh, what? A hemorrhoid?" I say.
"No, I mean a hemmorage! A hemmorage!!"

LOL!!! I'll get you some Preparation H honey. :o)

April Fools

I had a prank pulled on me. Except it wasn't a prank. And the lady really didn't mean to. Still... ironic it was April Fool's Day.

Yesterday the booking department from Dr.O's office called and said, "We have a cancellation and an opening for your surgery next Friday do you want it?" Umm yeah!!! I was way excited.

20 minutes later a call saying "I'm so sorry, someone got to the O.R. and booked it before me."
I told her it was a mean April Fool's joke. She felt bad.

So... surgery is still on for April 29. I can wait an extra two weeks I guess. :o)

In case any of you missed the surgery announcement you can find it here.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday!